Antimicrobial fabric, what is it? What’s it made of? Why is it effective? What must you know about this specialty fabric, and why is it great for many products?
First, let’s define what antimicrobial means. The term ‘antimicrobial’ is defined as: “destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms.”
Microorganisms “include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi, like mold and mildew.” Antimicrobial products are standard in medical facilities and are used in textiles. At first, it might seem strange that antimicrobials are found in fabrics. Still, the truth is, without this layer of protection, many fabric products would succumb to contamination and have to be discarded. Here is a quick list of where you might find an antimicrobial fabric.
Antimicrobial fabrics are used in various applications across various industries because they inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other microbes. Here are some common areas where antimicrobial fabrics are frequently used:
When it comes to specialty fabrics and antimicrobial features, it’s essential to understand that including a pathogen-fighting layer of defense prolongs the life of the textile and protects the fabric surface from microbes.
An antimicrobial is applied to a fabric to help fight off pathogens that could develop on the material's surface. This means that the antimicrobial is constantly working against microorganisms and prolonging the life of the fabric. For medical facilities, investing in antimicrobial textiles is one way to ensure the material's longevity and help keep replacement costs down.
For example, Sure-Chek® brand medical fabrics are enhanced by a controlled release system, which enables the "slow release" of a specially formulated antimicrobial system to the fabric surface, lasting for the life of the medical fabric. Sure-Chek® Healthcare medical fabrics are the original healthcare textile patented for protective covering fabrics and are the industry standard today. These fabrics are used in hospitals, dorms, prisons, and camps.
Antimicrobial fabrics can be made of various textiles, including but not limited to polyester, polyester-vinyl composites, vinyl, and even acrylics. The effectiveness of an antimicrobial fabric lies in its ability to fend off microorganisms and help prolong the life of a textile. Think about hospital blankets, bedding, and even mattresses. These are constantly imbued with sweat, oils, and other contaminants and can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and mildew. But, using an antimicrobial, coupled with applying other features - like flame, stain and odor resistance, and waterproofing - the fabric can withstand regular wear and tear and last far longer than expected.
The primary function of antimicrobials is to help prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from attaching to the fabric surface. Keep in mind that microorganisms can live in fabric and grow. That’s why antimicrobials are so effective -- they prevent the growth and spread of microorganisms within the material. This is especially useful in the healthcare industry, where exposure to bacteria and other pathogens is possible daily, hourly. From beds to pillows, hospital gowns, and even the scrubs a nurse or doctor wears, fabrics in the healthcare industry must be designed with protection in mind. That’s why the use of antimicrobial materials is so everyday and helpful in the places like hospitals.
Caring for antimicrobial fabrics is essential to maintain their performance and prolong their effectiveness. While specific care instructions may vary depending on the type and brand of the fabric, here are some general guidelines to follow when caring for antimicrobial materials:
Remember that these are general guidelines, and it's essential to consult the care instructions provided by the fabric manufacturer for specific care recommendations. By following proper care practices, you can help preserve the antimicrobial properties of the fabric and ensure its long-lasting performance.
When considering the use of an antimicrobial fabric in a project, it’s always best to find the right company to provide a textile that will last and utilize other features. That’s why researching and understanding what antimicrobial means is a significant first step in finding the right supplier for your needs.
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